Concentration, (samādhi), the collection and unification of the mind, was emphasized by the Buddha as one of the aspects of the Eightfold Path. It can bring joy to your practice and lead to the skillful use of pleasure in the meditative process. There is wisdom in developing concentration (samādhi) as a skillful means; and, there is wisdom in exploring concentration as a phenomenon of a contented mind. In this online retreat, we will intentionally and systematically do both–developing concentration through specific meditative practices, drawing from instructions in the Anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing) sutta, and exploring the experience of a collected and unified mind as a natural, mysterious, and beneficial phenomena.
The retreat includes two detailed guided meditations per day, teaching sessions, and cohort (small group) practice meetings. Please note: for this retreat, each group may not see each teacher. The small group cohort meetings will be either Sat/Mon/Wed OR Sun/Tues/Thurs at the same time of day — either 1:30 or 3:15 PT. If you have unavoidable scheduling constraints with the small group times, please let us know on the intake form which you will receive a few weeks before the retreat begins.
The retreat is not recommended for those experiencing acute grief or other strong mental challenges.
This retreat is not a training to teach; attending this retreat does not in any way authorize teaching the Nine Bodies Insight practice method.
